The 2009 Toy of the Year award winners represent innovative and successful toys. From educational toys to outdoor toys, the award list showcases new toys which stimulate the mind while creating hours of fun. Selected by toy industry experts, these children's toys represent the hottest Christmas toys and games this holiday season.
Last year, a National Retail Federation survey reported 42.6% of consumers planned to make at least one toy purchase during the holiday shopping season. While deciding to buy toys is easy, coming up with unique toy ideas can be difficult, and even finding fun stocking stuffers can prove downright frustrating. This year, let the toy experts provide guidance by reviewing this list of award winning toys.
Activity Toy of the Year
Crayola Color Wonder Magic Light Brush from Crayola LLC provides mess-free painting using a set six paint colors and a magical paintbrush. The paints are clear until the light brush applies them to a special paper where the colors suddenly come to life. Since the paint will only show on the specially supplied paper, there will never be any mess on carpets, tables or walls. Priced from $16 online.
Boy Toy of the Year
Bakugan Battle Brawlers Battle Pack Series 1 Spheres from Spin Master is a strategic game using cards and marble-shaped action figures. When the marbles are rolled across a particular metal card, the marbles pop open into the form of a particular action figure. Due to the small pieces in this toy, it is not recommended for small children, as the pieces could present a choking hazard. Priced from $18 online.
Educational Toy of the Year
LeapFrog TAG Reading System from LeapFrog assists children aged 4 to 8 with reading using specially created books which interact with the TAG pen, a hand held talking device. The pen can be used to read the entire children's book from beginning to end or it can be used to assist a child in sounding out specific words as the child reads the book. Price from $35 online.
Girl Toy of the Year
Playmobil Horse Farm from Playmobil USA is a playful barn and horse stable. The set includes horses, ranch hands, grooming tools, trees and other fun pieces. Kids can spend hours setting up and and playing with this colorful multi-piece farm. Due to the small pieces in this toy, it is not recommended for small children as the pieces could present a choking hazard. Priced from $99 online.
Electronic Entertainment Toy of the Year
FurReal Friends Biscuit My Lovin' Pup from Hasbro is a life-sized mechanical dog which is trained to understand voice commands like sit, speak, and lie down. Biscuit will even lift his pay to "shake" hands. The interactive pooch comes with an adoption certificate which can be submitted online to formalize the child and dog relationship. An innovative and allergy-free way to have a household pet. Priced from $144 online.
Game of the Year
Bananagrams from Bananagrams LLC is word game packed within a banana shaped bag which makes it a perfect travel game as well. A more simple and easy-to-play version of Scrabble, Bananagrams doesn't require a board, contains no special tiles or intricate point values. It prides itself on being easy to play for both child and adults. Recommended for children 7 years or older. Priced from $14 online.
Infant/Preschool Toy of the Year
Elmo Live from Fisher-Price, Inc. expands upon earlier versions of Elmo by making a more interactive and talkative Elmo. In addition to talking, singing and telling jokes, Elmo can also yawn and cross his legs. He is responsive to certain interactions and will "thank you" when given a hug. Elmo Live is a toy that can grow with the child, offering stimulating interactions for children 18 months or older. Priced from $49 online.
Most Innovative Toy of the Year
Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro from Spin Master brings innovation to radio controlled cars. This small, lightweight car uses a special suction technology which allows it to run across floors, up walls, and even across the ceiling. Surfaces must be smooth and clean in order for this innovative RC car to work. Due to the small pieces in this toy, it is not recommended for small children as the pieces could present a choking hazard. Priced from $47 online.
Outdoor Toy of the Year
Crayola 3D Sidewalk Chalk from Crayola LLC allows kids to create amazing 3-D artwork on sidewalks and driveways. This activity toy features dual-ended chalk in contrasting colors. Using the included how-to booklet and special glasses, kids can create 3-D masterpieces for the entire neighborhood to enjoy. Due to the small pieces in this toy, it is not recommended for small children as the pieces could present a choking hazard. Priced from $8 online.
Specialty Toy of the Year
Create Your Own Pop-Up Books from Creativity for Kids/Faber-Castell USA comes with two full-sized pop-up books which can be illustrated using the included stickers and markers. Story ideas are also provided but allow children to use their imagination in developing stories. Due to the small pieces in this toy, it is not recommended for small children as the pieces could present a choking hazard. Priced from $16 online.
Toy of the Year
The overall winner for 2009 Toy of the Year went to Bakugan Battle Brawlers Battle Pack Series 1 Spheres from Spin Master, which also won Boy Toy of the Year. The strategic game is available with many card sets, colorful spherical action figures, and additional accessories.
Toy of the Year Selection Process & Criteria
Each year, the Toy Industry Association selects the best children's toys and educational products from across 11 categories, with one product selected as the overall Toy of the Year. Toys sold in the United States are eligible for nomination if the toys meet the criteria for product excellence, creative design and product performance.
The nominations are evaluated by toy industry experts to determine finalists which are voted on by members of the Toy Industry Association. Representing the best toys for 2009, these toys and games make provide a qualified list of Christmas gift ideas.
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